Saros Cycle

The Saros Cycle is approximately 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours long, a period after which the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in nearly the same way. This means that similar solar and lunar eclipses tend to repeat every Saros cycle, with similar geometry and characteristics. The cycle arises from the synchronization of three lunar orbital periods: the lunar month, the time between similar moon phases; the draconic month, related to the Moon crossing nodes; and the synodic month, from new moon to new moon. This predictable pattern helps astronomers forecast eclipses over long periods.